Quilt Fragment

PeriodCirca 1920-1940

Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.

Mediumsilk, silk crepe, silk satin

Dimensions15 × 16 in. (38.1 × 40.6 cm)

ClassificationsQuilts and Coverlets

Credit LineMuseum Collection, 1974

Object numberT1974.28

DescriptionAn unfinished quilt block in the Yo-Yo pattern, consisting of fourteen circles across and fourteen down, all in a wide variety of plain silks, silk crepes, silk satins, in dress weight, both solid colors and prints. Solid colors include blues, pinks, reds, greens, yellows, and oranges, and prints including geometrics and bold abstract florals. At least some of the circles retain their original cut paper templates.
Curatorial RemarksThe earliest yo-yo quilts appear to date from the 1920s. By the 1930s, however, the pattern became increasingly popular, with patterns and templates appearing in numerous women's magazines. The yo-yo quilt was not for warmth but for decoration. The pattern usually involved cutting a circle from newspaper or other relatively lightweight paper, then cutting a larger circle of the chosen fabric. A simple running stitch was sewn around the edge of the fabric, then drawn up to create a "pucker". Individual circles were then sewn together, with open spaces around the curves. Silks, cottons, and even lightweight wools were all suitable for yo-yo quilts. The yo-yo quilt is considered one of the classic "Great Depression" quilt patterns.

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